It's ignorance like this that really upsets me... :-(

[iamcatwarrior]

This and many other such instances are why I almost never go on TB in the first place. It's really easy to sit behind a computer keyboard and bash a reputable instrument builder over something like string spacing. In the same paragraph, as long as they're burning off tons of energy that would have been better spent on, you know, playing bass, they could instead rant about a) 30.75" vs. 32" vs. 34" vs. 35" vs 35 1/2" scale, b) string brands a vs. b vs. c....vs. y, vs. z, c) neck through vs. bolt-on, d) etc. (this could get lengthy, so I'll stop).

Be aware that these arguments for and against things like this are coming from people who occupy a forum in which people show off their crappy no-name knockoffs which have been retrofitted with an amount of aftermarket components equal to five times the purchase price of their instrument or more. (I think someone on this forum called them "turd polishers" -- well struck, whoever you are.)

Also, as far as the "making money" argument goes, why doesn't Joe Talk-Bass-er update his resume and take his "expertise" to one of these companies?

What's the lesson here? Play whatever is best for you, not someone else.

 

[Basswave]

I could not enjoy playing 5 strings more than on my EBMM's. And it is easy enough to adapt even changing back and forth from from 4 bangers.

I also find it easier going from a tighter spaced 5 to wider spaced 4 in general, then the reversal.
I'm really happy with how SR5s are designed in that way.

TB is not a bad place, but anywhere on the web where there are a lot of folks your bound to see some silliness. (for that matter anywhere)

 

[bovinehost]

I've certainly owned other fivers with wider spacing. I think there's one here right now, built by some George dude in Canada. (Don't worry, it's a loaner.) Oddly enough, and even though I am the very epitome of "lunch pail bassist" and can't play "Portrait of Tracy", I can play those basses. And I don't have a decent practice regime or anything.

The "internet wisdom" is that vast undulating crowds of rich bassists would immediately flock to purchase Music Man basses if only the string spacing was wider. Well, call me Negative Nancy if you must, but I don't really buy into that. The people who tend to bitch about this are small but vocal, much like my nearly 1 year old son. (He makes more sense and is rather more likely to buy a Music Man, really.) So squeaky wheels being what they are, they squeak on and on. It's not as much fun to start a thread like, "Gosh, I Sure Love the String Spacing on My SR5". Because WHO CARES?

So the happy people (vast majority) play on while the squeaky people (small but vocal) find BS to bitch about. It is the way of the intertubes.

Having said that, I know there really are people who love everything about, say, the Stingray 5 except the string spacing and really would buy one with wider spacing. To them, I say this: Play nothing but a SR5 for a month and get back to me.

Or maybe a Bongo might be better?

 

[bassmonkeee]

I remember when the Big Al was announced and it was mentioned that the neck profile would be the same as the Sterling. I thought to myself, "Oh, darn--I wish they had gone with the Bongo profile." Then, I played a Big Al. Of course, it didn't really make a damn bit of difference once it was in my hands. And, no problems going back and forth.

So it goes.

 

[Big Poppa]

The internet is an outlet for instant experts....It is also a haven for passion. Many of these people are just deeply passionate about what they believe in. Some can pound their chest and call people out and be important for that brief moment of their insignificant lives

The larger the forum the more experts you have...I would love it if lets say in the body building forum if they suddenly installed web cams in the 'experts' computer room...Little pasty fleshed dweebs with a bag of cheetos and grape soda...still living with their mom who yells at them

 

[maddog]

o

Well, call me Negative Nancy if you must...

Negative Nancy.

I would love it if lets say in the body building forum if they suddenly installed web cams in the 'experts' computer room...Little pasty fleshed dweebs with a bag of cheetos and grape soda...still living with their mom who yells at them

pasty fleshed, sure but you won't be seeing me on the webcam much. Too busy getting ready for my competition in October.

As always, folks, he's got a point. The love for playing will overcome any flaws of the instrument, perceived or real.

 

[adouglas]

Y'know, I think only part of it is from "experts" with no lives.

A lot of the obsession with stuff that doesn't really matter comes from those who fervently believe that it does make a difference, IMHO.

It's all part of maturing as a musician. You go through phases where the minutiae seem incredibly important. Then one day you realize that you should just....

SHUT UP AND PLAY YOUR BASS.

(Didn't someone well-known coin that phrase?)

On that day, the endless quest for exact string spacing and the perfect pedal and the ideal neck profile and the unequaled combination of pickup and preamp ends... and you conclude that if it sounds/plays/feels good, it is good and the piece parts don't matter, not even a little bit.

The day I decided to buy a Bongo was that day for me. I lost all interest in talking about strings and preamps and pickups and wood and scale length and....

 

[jlepre]

"Variety is the spice of life."

 

[Golem]

I think EBMM are definitely doing it right! Ive played a few
different spacing and I think the 17.5 mm is perfect. If its a bit strange to people at
first, they need to practice.

BP - Im guessing you guys make the most USA made 5 string basses, and the most
popular/industry standard is no doubt the SR5.

One thing I've found is that in the "sub 19mm" 5-string
game, neck profile becomes very criticl to my comfort
level. I can't accomodate a mid-narow 5-string on a
baseball bat neck, even tho I can play 4-string URB.

For me, the EBMM 5-string necks work very well, and
the USA Spector 5-string BO neck, just happen to be
like magic. The standard issue Warwick 5-string just
always hits me very wrong [I've owned it twice, and
finally sworn off it]. Too bad about Wick 5'ers cuz I'm
really into some of their 4's.

I'm aware that one cannot predict what will work for
any individual merely by reading the dimensions or
weight or other specs, but such numbers can be a
rough guide, espicially for those who have no local
retailer stocking the ax that inneresses them. In a
way, getting hung up on specs may be an offshoot
of on-line/mail-order retailing.

 

[njhammer]

Little pasty fleshed dweebs with a bag of cheetos and grape soda...still living with their mom who yells at them

Damn! I've been found out!

 

[ivbenaplayin]

The love for playing will overcome any flaws of the instrument, perceived or real.

I really like this statement... music itself, as well as the equipment that's used to create it, is subject to personal tastes... . If it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work for you... why complain about it? Find what works for you and go with it... my guess is that if the person that's complaining about string spacing or some other stupid thing like that put their efforts into practicing, rather than complaining over the interwebs, they'd be a good enough bassist to overcome a 1.5mm string spacing difference...

 

[Movielife]

Having said that, I know there really are people who love everything about, say, the Stingray 5 except the string spacing and really would buy one with wider spacing. To them, I say this: Play nothing but a SR5 for a month and get back to me.

Plus one. Practice, then it doesnt matter.

I played my Sterling 5 HS the other day. Brand new, not played my Ray 5 for a while, so it was a little learning curve. I like learning curves, it makes life fun. So, 1 hour later, and the Stevie Wonder lines are coming out good and strong, with that nice solid low B.

 

[narud]

is there anything really to be upset about? i cant play wide spaced 5 strings so the whole "just get used to it" thing doesnt work. i can feel what theyre saying.the stingray 5's and peavey cirrus' are great for a guy like me but getting 5 string jazzes that werent 19mm or 1.875 at the nut was a pain and i paid to get it. fortunately there are lots of builders who do fender type instruments. unfortunately the same isnt the case for stingray style basses if you need different options.

 

[Big Poppa]

narud I dont think that point is that someone may desire it...its the venom behind the insistance.

 

[narud]

i guess im not seeing venom behind the insistence. i definitely see the occasional goofy, over emotional post but no more-so than i see here or any internet forum. its a constant topic because at least some segment of the bass buying community like the sound of your product and wish they had something that fit their hands. i know a forum is hardly a measure of market trends, but even my bass students who arent forum geeks usually feel more comfortable on a 19mm spaced five. im the opposite though and that extra room causes me pain that i tried to get used to and eventually decided against it.

 

[MudvilleStomper]

I know the guy that started that poll. He's far from being a "pasty-fleshed dweeb" and if there's anything he's passionate about, it is his absolute love for everything about the SR5... except for the string spacing.

He doesn't feel entitled, he just wishes his favorite 5 string came in a form that is more playable for him.

Jeez, some of you are exhibiting the same elitist characteristics you despise in people who don't share the same opinions you do.

By the way, what is wrong with starting a conversation on an Internet forum? At least he didn't come here and do it.

 

[BigOldHarry]

More greetings from TBville...

This thread has generated a fair amount of amusement on our side of the wall; And yes, I'm one of those guys who'd like to see a 19mm EBMM; I'll likely be buying a different brand because of this.

Interesting factoid: Lakland started making 34" 5 string basses a while back. Why? Customer demand. Pity I can't afford a new Lakland!

 

[BigOldHarry]

It would be nice if my Dodge Ram truck had 2 more inches of leg room..........but I deal.

Or you buy a different brand of truck...

 

[husky123]

Or you buy a different brand of truck...

But I don't want a different brand of truck silly goose. I've found that after I got used to less leg room it has made me a better driver by putting me close to the steering wheel. It felt weird at first but now I'm totally used to it and being in trucks with more legroom seems.....well kinda funny.

 

[jlepre]

Plus one. Practice, then it doesnt matter.

I played my Sterling 5 HS the other day. Brand new, not played my Ray 5 for a while, so it was a little learning curve. I like learning curves, it makes life fun. So, 1 hour later, and the Stevie Wonder lines are coming out good and strong, with that nice solid low B.

Aren't the ST5 & SR5 the same spacing and neck?